Without a neutral filters I would use no (expensive) lens, as I recently experienced again when I took my (Canon 400D) camera out of its case on Gran Canaria: The filter was broken - but fortunately just only the filter, and not the expensive zoom lens !!! - I will therefore continue to always protect all of my lenses with a color filter neutalen.
The Nikon 72mm neutral density filter, I am very happy because it serves its purpose and leaves no traces qualitätsmildernde.
